Big Win in Philly

Another nail biter. When Aikers lined up for the final 57 yard field goal, I figured the odds were 99-1 against him making it. I know, he'd already hit one that far earlier in his career, but I didn't see any way he'd do that in the cold on Sunday. When the camera man failed to follow the ball and all we saw was the ball bouncing in the end zone, I thought he'd fallen far short, which is what I half anticipated anyway. I was shocked to see on the replay that the ball actually hit half way up the right upright - two inches to the left and it would have been good from over 60 yards.

Again, another ugly game. Brian Westbrook fumbled for the first time after over 500 touches. Brandon Jacobs fumbled twice, his 4th and 5th fumbles in 151 touches this season. Not only does he have to find a way to stay healthy, he has to find a way to hold onto the ball. I read some quotes from him following the game that left me concerned that he doesn't yet fully appreciate how serious the issue is. He vows to have his best game this week in Washington. I'd prefer he'd instead vowed to make it his personal goal to go 500+ touches without another fumble.

My post last week couldn't have been more wrong. I believed the Giants weren't going to beat the Eagles in Philly and therefore was in favor of resting Burress and Pierce. Both played huge roles in the win and it's pretty darn clear the Giants wouldn't have won had neither played. Burress' performance was startling - 7 catches for 136 yards and one touchdown. And they were all big catches in important drives.

Tonight's game against the Redskins at home is important for a lot of reasons. Win and the Giants lock a wild card spot. Lose and the Redskins stay alive - so much so that if Washington finds a way to win out the last three games, the Giants could find themselves on the outside looking in. Not a very likely scenario, but one the Giants can completely avoid by winning a game they should win. Here is their chance to lock up a third straight playoff appearance and do it in front of their home town crowd.

How good is this Giant's team? Is this the year they can actually make some noise in the post season? I don't think so. They aren't playing good football. The offense has disappeared. The defense has been responsible for the wins during the second half and has been doing it without being dominant. In the playoffs, I can see the Giants winning the first game, but after that the competition gets too tough. They aren't in the class of either Green Bay or the Cowboys. But I do see one scenario that can change things. Brandon Jacobs. If he stays healthy. If he doesn't fumble. And if he plays with reckless abandon - runs hard and runs mean - he can elevate this team. His style is such that when he starts running people over, it has an emotional impact on the entire team - on both sides of the ball. And that hope makes this an exciting time of the year.